The event was held on November 29 by the Ha Noi Union of Friendship Organisations, in coordination with the Ha Noi Department of Culture and Sports, the People’s Committee of Hoan Kiem Ward and other relevant agencies.
It brought together more than 300 participants, including ambassadors, chargés d’affaires and embassy staff, representatives of international organisations and foreign non-governmental organisations, central-level delegates, municipal delegates from Ha Noi, members of the Ha Noi Cycling Club, friendship associations and its branches.
Delivering the opening remarks, Chairman of the Ha Noi Union of Friendship Organisations Nguyen Ngoc Ky highlighted Viet Nam’s commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by 43.5% by 2030. He affirmed that the capital’s authorities and residents have continuously worked to advance urban development, safeguard living environments, invest in youth education, and address the ecological and urbanisation challenges facing the city.
He noted that cycling, as an environmentally friendly mode of transport, is an effective solution for reducing air pollution and protecting the environment. He underscored that the 5th Friendship Cycling Journey for a Green Ha Noi is a meaningful initiative that not only strengthens the friendship between the people of Ha Noi and the international community, but also promotes the image of Ha Noi as a green, clean, beautiful and environmentally friendly city.
Nguyen Ngoc Ky expressed his gratitude to the ambassadors, representatives of diplomatic agencies and international organizations who have always accompanied the people's foreign affairs work of the Capital and always supported the cause of construction and development of Ha Noi.
Speaking on behalf of the international delegations, Palestinian Ambassador to Viet Nam and head of the diplomatic corps, Saadi Salama, commended the organisers for maintaining and scaling 5th Friendship Cycling Journey for a Green Ha Noi. He described the programme not only a sports activity, but also a meaningful moment for people to meet, connect and spread love for the beloved capital Ha Noi.
According Ambassador Saadi Salama, throughout the past five years, the cycling journey has become a beautiful symbol; a symbol of green lifestyle, of international friendship and of the aspiration to build a city of sustainable development. “Our bicycle rides today are the cycles of trust, solidarity and hope for a better future,” he said.
During the event, organisers presented bicycles to disadvantaged students, encouraging to strive to excel in their studies, become useful citizens, global citizens, contributing to building the Capital and a world of solidarity and friendship.
